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Family appeals for prosecution of killer driver
The families of a 30-year-old nursing mother, Millicent Osei, who was killed by a careless driver, is appealing to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) or the Attorney-General to prosecute the offender.
The families led by Mr Eric Osei, came to the premises of the New Times Corporation, on Tuesday, to make the appeal.
They alleged that, the Police investigator Mr Abraham Inkoom , stationed at the Adjen Kotoku District Police, is allegedly frustrating the family, and trying to prevent the driver from prosecution.
He said on August 30, 2020, at about 5:30pm, one Ibrahim Samilla, in-charge of a KIA Grand-bird bus No.AS 3721-20, drove carelessly and killed the deceased Millicent Osei, while she was crossing the road at Kutunse.
He said the deceased sustained injuries and was rushed to the Nsawam Government Hospital, but passed on a few minutes later.
The family said Mr Inkoom was instructed by the Amasaman District Police Commander to prosecute the driver Ibrahim Samilla at the Amasaman Circuit Court, because the offence fell under that court’s jurisdiction.
They further alleged that, Mr Inkoom, after having some disagreements with the judge, at Amasaman, rather sent the case to the Abeka Magistrate Court, where the driver was promptly given bail.
“The judge at Amasaman ordered Mr Inkoom to send the docket to the Attorney General’s Department (AG), for advice and onwards prosecution at the High Court but he refused,” they alleged.
The family, they said, had since been ignored by Mr Inkoom anytime they called him.
When the police officer, Mr Abraham Inkoom was contacted on his mobile phone, on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, he denied all the allegations.
He explained that he was only the investigator and that it was the judge at Amasaman who asked him to send the case to the Abeka Circuit Court , for the suspect to be granted bail.
Mr Inkoom said the judge at Abeka granted bail to the suspect in the sum of GH¢20,000 with two sureties.
He said the suspect jumped bail once, and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest, before he started reporting to the court regularly.
Mr Inkoom said he is also working hard on his investigations, and would forward the docket to the Attorney General’s Department within a month to enable Millicent Osei’s family to get justice.
By Francis Xah
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
